Next Session
Opportunity to Thrive will begin a new program year during the 2011-2012 school year. Stay tuned for details on next year's programming.
For more information please email Chatique Sample, Opportunity to Thrive Chair, at thrive@nvulypn.org to learn more.
Opportunity to Thrive
Vision: Empower all children with the opportunity to thrive.
Mission: Ensuring that all of our children are well educated and prepared for economic self-reliance in the 21st century.
Opportunity to Thrive is a youth-based program that aims to supplement a student’s academic curriculum. This program consists of five initiatives:
Initiative 1: Study Skills and Motivation – To encourage education and youth empowerment by providing students with the necessary tools for academic success.
The focus of our study skills and motivation initiative is to inspire hope in the minds of students who lack the proper skills or motivation to study effectively. Students are introduced to principles that help them positive decisions today to improve their future options. Principles for this initiative are taken from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey.
Initiative 2: Financial Literacy – To arm our youth with the conceptual knowledge and practical skills needed to conserve financial resources.
Consistent with the National Urban League’s Five Point Empowerment Agenda that emphasizes economic and youth empowerment, our financial literacy initiative uses the interactive game CA$HFLOW for Kids to introduce students to relevant wealth building principles that can be applied at an early age.
Initiative 3: Leadership Development – To empower youth leadership in community, scholastic and athletic organizations.
We encourage youth to take on leadership roles in their community and help them gain the knowledge necessary to lead effectively. Our leadership development initiative is delivered through four seminars: 1) Change Management, 2) Team Building, 3) Social Networking and 4) Conflict Resolution. Through these seminars, youth will learn how to become a positive influence among their peers.
Initiative 4: Diversity – To promote the positive self-development of Northern Virginia youth.
Our diversity programs help students develop a positive vision for their futures by leading them in career exploration; cultural awareness and sensitivity training; and community service. Through this initiative, YPN members engage students in resume workshops, career exploration portfolios and presentations on various professions.
Initiative 5: Science and Engineering – To inspire interest in scientific issues and applications.
Opportunity to Thrive engages youth in science and engineering programs that help create a foundation of problem solving and scholastic ability. This program is based on hands-on learning activities, like building an electronic toy car. Through this initiative, we aim to stir general interest and core competencies in this field in order to motivate a new generation of scientists and engineers.